Jasper Co. considers one-year pause on data centers to study environmental, infrastructure impacts

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - One of the fastest-growing counties in the country is taking a step back to evaluate the rapid expansion of technology infrastructure.

Jasper County leaders are considering a one-year moratorium on any new proposals to build data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and other data-processing facilities in unincorporated parts of the county.

The county council approved the first reading of the moratorium on Tuesday night, which also enacted a pending ordinance doctrine.

This measure prevents developers from rushing in data center applications before the final votes are cast.

For the pause to become official, the ordinance must pass two more readings.

The need for “due diligence”

Across southeast Georgia and South Carolina, there is a surging interest in building data centers in rural communities.

While Jasper County has not yet received a formal proposal, local leaders say they want to be proactive, not reactive.

“This moratorium may be one of the most important things we do at this point,” Jasper County Council Member Chris VanGeison said. “I think data centers are that serious.”

Under the county’s current zoning ordinance, data centers are permitted in several commercial and industrial districts.

A one-year pause would give county staff and planners necessary time to review and update zoning ordinances and land development regulations before any projects are allowed to move forward.

“It’s just a matter of the staff needing time to review our ordinances and see how we should address these moving forward,” Jasper County Director of Planning and Building Services, Lisa Wagner, said. “We are not proposing to ban them forever, but just buy some time to do that.”

Jasper County Council Chairman Joey Rowell emphasized that the county must thoroughly investigate the potential impacts of these massive facilities on local infrastructure and the environment.

“I do think as it pertains to the water, the electricity, the environment, and the noise—we must make sure we are doing our due diligence,” Rowell said.

Residents seek to protect “slow country” way of life

Locals living in Jasper County expressed strong support for the council’s cautious approach. As the county experiences tremendous growth, residents are concerned about preserving their rural lifestyle.

“We don’t know what we don’t know,” Michael Jenkins said. “So having the opportunity to figure out how those potential entities... would affect the county or the community is important to know.”

For lifelong residents, the stake is personal.

“For my grandchildren too, I’d like for them to be able to enjoy the life that I’ve enjoyed over the last 76 years,” Christopher Cook said. “It’s kind of an easy-going, slow country, is what I call it.”

What the moratorium blocks

If fully approved, the one-year pause will suspend the following in unincorporated areas:

• New applications and permits for data-processing facilities
• Rezoning requests specifically for data centers or crypto-mining operations
• Financial incentives for these industries

If council members still feel unprepared after the 12 months, the moratorium can be renewed.

Next steps

The moratorium is not yet official. It must pass two more readings and votes by the Jasper County Council.

The next vote is expected to take place at the council’s regular meeting on September 21st.